Hey there, friends! So, let’s chat about postpartum hemorrhage, something that can sound pretty scary but is important to understand if you’re new to motherhood. After giving birth, some bleeding is totally normal—like, you can expect to lose about half a quart of blood with a vaginal delivery and a whole quart after a C-section. But, if the bleeding becomes excessive, that’s when it becomes a concern and is known as postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).
What is postpartum hemorrhage?
Postpartum hemorrhage refers to significant and uncontrolled blood loss that typically happens within the first day after delivery but can occur up to 12 weeks postpartum. This bleeding can originate from where the placenta was attached to the uterus or from any vaginal or cervical tears that weren’t fixed during delivery.
How common is it?
While it might sound alarming, PPH isn’t super common. Most women experience just the normal discharge, known as lochia. But some can have more serious bleeding, which needs immediate medical attention.
Types of postpartum hemorrhage
There are two main types of PPH: primary and secondary. Primary PPH occurs within the first 24 hours after birth, while secondary PPH can occur from 24 hours up to 12 weeks postpartum.
Who is at risk?
Certain factors can increase your risk for postpartum hemorrhage, including having a larger baby, a prolonged labor, or issues with the uterus contracting properly after birth. If you want to dive deeper into this topic, check out this excellent resource on treating infertility and pregnancy here.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
Doctors usually diagnose PPH through physical examinations and monitoring your blood loss. Treatment can vary but often involves medications to help your uterus contract, and in more severe cases, surgery may be needed.
Don’t stress too much about bleeding after delivery, but if you notice an increase in blood loss or large blood clots, definitely reach out to your healthcare provider.
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In summary, understanding postpartum hemorrhage is key to ensuring your health after giving birth. While some bleeding is normal, recognizing when it becomes excessive is important for your safety.